“Ben was instructed by team doctors to avoid strenuous activity due to inflammation in his knee, thus he will not play in the Pro Bowl,” Tollner said. “His knee will not require surgery and he looks forward to an otherwise healthy offseason to improve with his teammates.”

The news will likely come as a relief to both the Steelers and Big Ben, who are hoping to work out a new contract extension for Roethlisberger. Big Ben is a two-time Superbowl champion and twelve-year starter who owns most of the Steelers’ franchise passing records.

In 2014 Roethlisberger threw for a franchise-record 4,952 yards (tied for the league-lead), as well as 32 TDs, just 9 INTs and a completion rate of 67.1%. Leading WR Antonio Brown set franchise records with 129 receptions, 1,698 receiving yards and 13 TDs.

It was confirmed this past week that Roethlisberger was sitting out the Pro Bowl, making way for New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees to play the game instead.